Bengals position preview: Defensive line

Bengals writers Paul Dehner Jr. and Richard Skinner talk about what some realistic for DE Margus Hunt might be.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) returns a fumble for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter of their game played at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati Sunday December 22, 2013.(Photo: The Enquirer/Gary Landers)

Hard to improve when losing Michael Johnson, who played in 79 of 80 games the last five seasons while taking better than 90 percent of the snaps the last two years. A full season of Atkins (ACL), more Gilberry and Hunt taking the next step would at least keep the Bengals at the elite level this group has lived the last three seasons.

OVERRATED STORYLINE: Letting Johnson walk

In the moments after Johnson signed a five-year, $43.5 million contract with Tampa Bay the outrage from fans began. How can you let him leave? Truth be told, this decision was made last season when Atkins and, more importantly, Dunlap signed at the Bengals desired price. The team could never afford to keep all three. One had to go. The move was accounted for with drafting of Hunt and now Clarke.

UNDERRATED STORYLINE: Dunlap's movement

Remember watching Dunlap's right-handed power strip from behind the last two seasons? It's among the most ferocious moves in football. Now imagine it flying off the blind side previously occupied by Johnson. There's a distinct possibility his eight forced fumbles the last two seasons could see another spike as defensive coordinator Paul Guenther moves Dunlap around more often.

POSITION BATTLE: Filling Johnson's shoes

With so many snaps now moved to Tampa, there will be a battle to fill the defensive end void. Gilberry enters as the leader in the clubhouse riding his 7.5 sacks which tied for a team high last season. Competition always exists, however, and the more growth the 6-foot-8, 290-pound Hunt shows the more snaps he'll steal. He may not start, but this line lives on the rotation.

TIER BREAKOUT: Rank first of four tiers

Atkins, even coming of an ACL injury, ranks among the best defensive tackles in the game and a game-changer up the middle. Dunlap, Gilberry and the depth behind them keep this group in the top quarter of the league.

BY THE NUMBERS: 18.5 -- Sacks by Atkins in his last 25 regular season games, an absurd number for a defensive tackle. The best 25-game stretch for Hall of Famer Warren Sapp, one of the most prolific pass-rushing defensive tackles in NFL history, reached 22 sacks.

PROJECTION: Atkins returns healthy and Dunlap thrives under Guenther. Gilberry delivers the same consistent production he has since joining the team. The wildcard becomes Hunt. Projecting his development is something nobody can truly do until he hits the field in preseason, but if recent history of line coach Jay Hayes developmental skills are any indication, expect a significant step.